Dent Removal

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)

Paintless dent removal is a specialized technique that uses precision metal-working tools to gently push or pull dents out from behind the panel without disturbing the factory paint finish. Unlike traditional body work, PDR requires no filler, no sanding, no priming, and no repainting — which means faster repairs, lower costs, and a completely original finish. This method is ideal for hail damage, door dings from parking lots, minor creases where the paint surface remains intact, and dents in accessible areas. The key advantage of PDR is value preservation — because the factory paint remains untouched, there's no sign the vehicle was ever damaged, which maintains full resale value and keeps the original manufacturer warranty intact.

PDR Cost and Timeline

Paintless dent removal is the most affordable body repair method available. At WRC Collision, single door ding PDR starts at $75-$150 depending on size and location on the panel. Larger dents (golf ball to baseball size) run $150-$300. Complex dents near body lines or panel edges cost $200-$500 due to the additional skill required to preserve the crease line. Multiple dent packages (3+ dents) offer better per-dent pricing. Most single-dent PDR repairs are completed in 30 minutes to 2 hours, often while you wait. We offer same-day service for straightforward door dings — call (818) 765-8500 in the morning and your vehicle can be repaired by afternoon. This makes PDR the fastest and most convenient body repair available.

Traditional Dent Repair

When dents are too severe for PDR — such as sharp creases with paint damage, stretched metal, deep impacts that have exceeded the metal's elastic memory, or dents in areas with limited tool access — we employ traditional body repair techniques. This process involves carefully working the metal back to its original contour using hammers and dollies, applying body filler to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, wet sanding through progressive grits for a flawless foundation, priming with a high-build primer, and finally painting with color-matched basecoat and clearcoat in our downdraft spray booth. Our computerized color matching ensures the repaired area blends seamlessly with surrounding panels, making the repair invisible.

Hail Damage Repair

Southern California hail storms are uncommon but they do occur — and when they hit, the damage to exposed vehicles can be extensive, with dozens or hundreds of dents across the roof, hood, trunk, and every horizontal surface. WRC Collision specializes in comprehensive hail damage repair, typically combining PDR for the majority of dents with traditional repair for any areas with paint damage. We work directly with insurance companies on hail claims, providing detailed documentation of every dent for accurate claim filing. Most hail damage repairs are covered in full by comprehensive insurance with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Depending on severity, hail repairs take 2-5 days for PDR-only and 1-2 weeks if paint work is also needed.

When to Choose PDR vs Traditional Repair

Choosing between PDR and traditional repair depends on several factors that our technicians assess during your free estimate. PDR is the best choice when: paint is intact with no chips or cracks, the dent is smooth without sharp creases, the metal isn't stretched beyond its elastic limit, there's adequate access behind the panel for tools, and the dent is located away from panel edges. Traditional repair is needed when: paint is chipped or cracked in the dent area, the metal is sharply creased or stretched, the dent is on a body line where precision is critical, or the panel is made of materials that don't respond to PDR (some aluminum and high-strength steel). At WRC Collision, we always recommend PDR when it's viable because it's faster, cheaper, and preserves your factory finish.

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